Mosquitoes have earned their reputation as one of the world's most dangerous creatures, and for good reason. These tiny insects are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal, primarily through the diseases they transmit. In New York and surrounding regions, residents face a constant threat from these persistent disease vectors.

Disease Transmission Reality

West Nile Virus in New York: WNV is considered endemic (native) in New York State and is generally found in at least part of the state each summer. Most people are infected in summer to early fall. While the chances of anyone becoming seriously ill are small, people over 50 years of age are at the highest risk for severe illness.

Rapid Disease Spread: Mosquitoes began transmitting West Nile Virus in the U.S. around 1999. The virus was first found in humans living in the New York area, but it has since spread across the entire United States. In 2024, NYC's Department of Health has sent out staff each day to 50 locations to trap and test mosquitoes, and they found the number of mosquitoes with West Nile is up across the board thus far in Summer 2024 throughout the five boroughs.

Economic Impact: Each year, nations suffer billions of dollars in losses, spend billions on mosquito control programs, and invest substantially in treatments for patients who have suffered complications after mosquito bites. The USA Mosquito Control market size was valued at USD 1,873.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2,911.2 million by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.5%.

Mosquito Identification

Physical Characteristics and Species

Key Identifying Features:

• Long, piercing proboscis designed for blood feeding
• Scales on the wing veins (distinguishing them from other flies)
• Slender bodies with long, thin legs
• Size ranges from 3-6mm in length
• Distinctive high-pitched buzzing sound

Species in New York State: There are about 70 different kinds (species) of mosquitoes in New York State, but only certain kinds spread disease. The most dangerous species include those capable of transmitting West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and other vector-borne diseases.

The Mosquito Life Cycle

Four Critical Development Stages:

Egg Stage (24-48 hours):

• Female mosquitoes lay 100-300 eggs at a time
• Eggs are placed directly on water surface or in areas prone to flooding
• Some species lay eggs in rafts that look like specks of soot floating on water
• Certain eggs can survive drying out for months or even years

Larva Stage (4-14 days):

• Called "wigglers" due to their distinctive swimming motion
• Live in water and must surface frequently to breathe
• Go through four growth stages (instars) before developing into pupae
• Feed constantly on organic matter in the water

Pupa Stage (1-4 days):

• Known as "tumblers" for their rolling escape movements
• Do not feed but remain active and sensitive to disturbances
• This is the transformation stage where adult features develop

Adult Stage:

• Males live 6-7 days and feed only on plant nectar
• Females can live up to 5 months with adequate food supply
• Only females bite and require blood meals to produce eggs
• Can fly 1-10 miles from breeding sites, some species up to 40 miles

Mosquito Activity Patterns

Seasonal Activity: Mosquitoes are most active in New York City from April through October. During this time, they seek to lay their eggs in slow-moving or standing water. Warmer average temperatures have led to earlier springs, hotter summers, and milder winters, allowing mosquitoes to expand into new areas, reproduce more quickly, and stay active for longer periods of the year.

Daily Activity: Most mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn, when the air is calm. However, others will bite at any time of day. Different species have varying preferences for feeding times, with some being more aggressive during daylight hours.

Prevention Strategies

Eliminating Breeding Sites

Critical Water Source Management: Any amount of standing water can lead to flourishing mosquito populations. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay eggs - containers holding just a few drops of water can be enough to attract a mosquito for egg-laying.

Primary Breeding Locations:

• Gutters and downspouts
• Bird baths and pet water dishes
• Kiddie pools and swimming pool covers
• HVAC drains and sump pumps
• Flower pots and plant saucers
• Trash cans and recycling containers
• Old tires and rubber containers
• Buckets and wheelbarrows
• Puddles and low-lying areas
• Ornamental ponds without proper circulation

Essential Maintenance Tasks:

• Empty and refill bird baths twice weekly
• Clean clogged gutters in spring and fall
• Drill holes in outdoor recycling containers
• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use
• Landscape to eliminate standing water collection
• Clean vegetation and debris from pond edges
• Maintain and chlorinate swimming pools properly

Personal Protection Strategies

Outdoor Activity Guidelines:

• Limit outdoor activity in the evening, especially at dusk and dawn
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when mosquitoes are active
• Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Choose light-colored clothing as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors

Home Protection Measures:

• Install and maintain window and door screens
• Use air conditioning when possible to keep windows closed
• Remove brush and tall grass where adult mosquitoes rest
• Keep children's play areas free of standing water

Professional Treatment: Comprehensive Mosquito Management

Why Professional Control is Essential

Unfortunately, disease-carrying mosquitoes breed rapidly. Scientists say that one female mosquito can lay approximately 300 eggs in a teaspoon of water. This explosive reproductive capacity means that DIY approaches often fail to address the scope and scale of mosquito infestations.

The Reality of Mosquito Control:

• Mosquito populations can be drastically reduced with treatment, but will return without recurring treatments interrupting their breeding cycle
• Adult mosquitoes creating problems on your property may have come from breeding sites miles away
• Effective control requires targeting both larval breeding sites and adult populations
• Professional-grade mosquito treatments are necessary to achieve meaningful population reduction

Integrated Pest Management Approach

Multi-Stage Treatment Strategy:

Stage 1: Source Reduction and Site Assessment

• Comprehensive property inspection to identify all potential breeding sites
• Elimination of obvious water sources and breeding habitats
• Assessment of neighboring properties that may harbor mosquito populations
• Coordination with municipal drainage and water management systems

Stage 2: Larval Control Application

• Targeted larvicide treatments to standing water that cannot be eliminated
• Biological control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)
• Growth regulators that prevent larvae from developing into adults
• Long-term residual treatments for seasonal breeding sites

Stage 3: Adult Population Management

• Strategic application of adulticides during peak mosquito activity periods
• Misting systems for ongoing protection of outdoor living spaces
• Barrier treatments to vegetation where adult mosquitoes rest
• Targeted spraying based on mosquito surveillance data

Stage 4: Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance

• Regular inspections to identify new breeding opportunities
• Seasonal adjustments to treatment protocols
• Weather-based application scheduling for maximum effectiveness
• Integration with municipal mosquito surveillance programs

Advanced Treatment Technologies

Professional-Grade Solutions:

• Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) applications for wide-area adult control
• Precision larvicide applications to minimize environmental impact
• Automated misting systems for continuous protection
• Biological control programs using natural predators

Why Professional Products Work Better:

• Access to restricted-use pesticides not available to consumers
• Proper application equipment for optimal coverage and efficacy
• Expertise in mosquito biology and behavior patterns
• Integration with local disease surveillance programs

Public Health Benefits of Professional Control

Disease Prevention Impact:

• Significant reduction in West Nile virus transmission risk
• Protection against emerging mosquito-borne diseases
• Reduced burden on local healthcare systems
• Enhanced quality of life for entire communities

Long-term Health Protection: About one percent of people bitten develop a severe reaction that can lead to West Nile Fever, which has long-lasting symptoms including weakness, depression, tremors, fatigue, and other signs of brain damage. Professional mosquito control dramatically reduces these health risks.

Take Action Today: Protect Your Family and Community

Don't wait for mosquito-borne disease to threaten your family's health. The longer mosquito populations are allowed to establish and breed, the more difficult and expensive control becomes.

Why Choose Suburban Pest Control?

• Comprehensive understanding of local mosquito species and disease risks
• Proven track record with effective population reduction programs
• Safe, environmentally responsible treatment methods
• Integration with municipal health department surveillance efforts
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure lasting protection

Ready to Reclaim Your Outdoor Spaces?

Contact Suburban Pest Control today to schedule your FREE inspection and consultation. Our experienced pest professionals will assess your property's mosquito risk, identify breeding sources, and provide you with a comprehensive plan to protect your family from these dangerous disease vectors.

Contact us now to schedule your complimentary inspection. Don't let mosquitoes threaten your health and comfort - let the professionals provide the protection your family deserves.

Sources:

¹ NYC Health - Mosquitoes

² New York State Department of Health - West Nile Virus

³ NBC New York - NYC West Nile virus map 2024

⁴ Economic Impact of Various Mosquito-Borne Diseases

⁵ USA Mosquito Control Market Outlook

⁶ EPA - Mosquito Life Cycle